New simple test reveals if labour is real
Filed under: Premature babies — Alan @ 7:49 am
Research suggests that there may be one simple test that can accurately predict whether premature labour pains will result in a delivery or a false alarm. Fewer than half of all women who show signs of premature labour actually give birth and often are still subject to many unnecessary tests.
The good news is that now UK researchers believe a test that looks for fFN (foetal fibronectin) may solve the dilemma.
The University of College London study suggests that since fFN protein attaches to the foetal sac a sign of imminent birth is if the protein is found to be leaking. If it is not leaking which is shown by low fFN levels, there is a good chance that the baby is safe.
Although the test to look at fFN levels is easy and cheap, most maternity units do not currently use it.
It can be done while a vaginal examination is performed and is usually done if a woman complains of abdominal pain while pregnant.
The study was conducted at a hospital in which the test was proved to be almost 99% accurate in predicting which women who would go into labour and which ones would not.
Dr. Anna David the lead researcher in the study stated that the fear of a premature baby can cause pregnant women to get very anxious which can be easily remedied by fFN testing. David also stated that it would reduce the amount spent in the healthcare system on long hospital stays that are unneeded.
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